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Dion awaits word on respite's length

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Norm Clarke is one of Las Vegas's most notable and recognizable celebrities. This eye-patched man-about-town knows it all about this vibrant city in the desert -- where to go, what to do, and most importantly, where to see and be seen.

Celine Dion will find out in 10 days how she's progressing in her battle with a virus that wiped out her entire February and March engagement at Caesars Palace.

She learned on Monday, during a meeting with a top specialist at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, that six to eight weeks probably will be required for a total recovery. Professor Gerald Berke of UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles found a virus attached to her right vocal chord.

Her husband and manager, Rene Angelil, said she "wasn't 100 percent" when she arrived in Las Vegas in mid-February.

"We figured she would be OK for the 22nd," when her run was to begin. Her engagement was to end March 18. Her next engagement starts June 9 and runs through Aug. 19.

Angelil shot down a sensationalized report Wednesday by London's Daily Mail that "doctors ordered her to cancel performing from now until June 9."

Dion was scheduled to be off from March 18 to June 9 all along. Needing a juicier angle for their follow story, the British media did what they're famous for: They fudged the facts.

The setback "was just bad luck," Angelil said.

REMEMBERING DAVY JONES

The death of Davy Jones of The Monkees hit hard in Las Vegas. Jones, who died Wednesday at age 66 in Florida, was a regular at the annual Canon U.S.A. fundraiser for missing and exploited children. He showed up to support the event and "never asked for money," said local talent agent Jaki Baskow, an event organizer.

"He loved Las Vegas and was a great humanitarian," said Baskow, who welcomed his presence at her various charity events here and in Florida. "He was one of the funniest people I ever met," she said.

Publicist Laura Herlovich, who worked with Jones and The Monkees, said she'll never forget his "generosity of spirit." About five years ago, her telephone rang a month or so after The Monkees performed at the MGM Grand.

"It was Davy," Herlovich said, "giving me a tip on a horse race as we had shared our love of horses on one of those early morning media limo rides. That he remembered and called was so cute and thoughtful. My heart is broken."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Jon Bon Jovi and singer-songwriter David Cook will be joining Tiger Woods at his Tiger Jam at Mandalay Bay on April 28. Tickets start at $70. Ticket information: 949-725-3003.

Ralph Lamb's son in the upcoming CBS pilot about the former sheriff will be played by Taylor Handley, Variety reports. Handley, 27, had roles in "The O.C." Lamb will be played by Dennis Quaid, and Michael Chiklis will portray a Chicago mobster in the pilot being developed by "Goodfellas" writer Nicholas Pileggi.

SIGHTINGS

Actor Hugh Grant, checking out Hyde Bellagio on Thursday. ... Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford at Surrender (Encore) with friends on Wednesday. In another group: 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman celebrated her leap year birthday with pageant friends. ... A wax figure of Dion was unveiled Wednesday at Madame Tussauds (Venetian), with the Clark County Children's Choir surrounding the figure and singing her hit "My Heart Will Go On." ... Brad Garrett of "Everyone Loves Raymond," at Sugar Factory's new store at MGM Grand on Wednesday. ... KISS guitarist and vocalist Paul Stanley, at Blue Man Group (Venetian) with son Evan on Wednesday. Also there: Former 'N Sync member Joey Fatone with his parents. ... Chef Vic "Vegas" Moea, who finished third in "Food Channel Star" in August, in the kitchen at Jamms last weekend, helping owner Ronnie Klein come up with chicken and waffles at the eatery on South Rainbow. Moea is in the cast of the Food Channel's upcoming "Chopped All-Stars."

THE PUNCH LINE

"Will this affect the expiration date on my cottage cheese?'' -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Leap Year.

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